Carnevale in Milan (Carnival, Mardi Gras)

Carnival in Milan

This year Carnevale di Milano  will be celebrated

Carnival in Milan follows the Ambrosian rite and is celebrated one week after Carnival in Venice which follows the Roman rite. (Venice Carnevale festival 27 Jan-13 Feb 2018)

Parades & Events

In various locations throughout the city, there are events and activities for all, including families and children. Piazza Duomo and the surrounding areas are the main locations for festivities. Street performers, clowns parades and concerts all day and evening long.

The main parade with costumes, jugglers, pantomimes and floats will start from  I Giardini Publici, Palestro, Piazza San Babila, Corso Europa, Piazza Fontana ending in Piazza Cesare Beccaria (near Piazza Duomo)

See Milan city website event calendar

Clubs, Parties & Dinners in Masquerade

See all parties on Milanoindiscoteca.it

Bobino Milano

Happy Hour Drinks and Party
Free entrance, must have a reservation
Bobino Club Navigli Milano – Alzaia Naviglio Grande 116, Milano
Starts: 7pm
Reservations: +393282345620 (message or Whatsapp) or reservations online Bobino
Byblos Milano

Dinner, Happy Hour Drinks, and Party
entrance from 10€, must have a reservation
Byblos Milano – Via Messina, 38, Milano
Starts: 7pm
Reservations: +393282345620 (message or Whatsapp) reservations online Byblos 

Just Cavalli Milano

Happy Hour Drinks and Party
Entrance from 15€, must have a reservation
Just Cavalli Milano – Via Luigi Camoens, Milano
Starts: 8 PM
Reservations: +393282345620 (message or Whatsapp) or reservations online Just 

Club Haus 80’s Milano
Free entrance, must have a reservation
Club Haus 80’s Milano – Via Valtellina, 21, Milano
Starts: 11PM
Reservations: +393282345620 (message or Whatsapp) or reservations online Club Haus 80s 

Where to stay

All the action is at Piazza Duomo but other areas like Brera and Castello are within walking distance.

Traditional masks

Menghino and his wife La Cecca,  characters invented by burlesque comedy play-write Carlo Maria Maggi. Meneghino was the term used for sixteenth-century Milanese butlers who accompanied noblemen and women in their carriages. They became symbols of the honest, hard-working, joyful Milanese. See more costume ideas and traditions

Meneghino (pronounced men-eh-GHEE-no)

What is Carnival?

It’s the last day of celebrations before the forty-day period of Lent (a period of penitence and fasting) before Easter. Carne means meat, vale means farewell, goodbye in Latin, hence Carnevale means farewell to meat before 40 days of Lent. Carnevale was the last day to eat meat and other rich delicacies before abstaining for Lent. Wearing masks and costumes was a way to hide one’s identity, social class, and inhibitions on this day of frolicking festivities.

What to eat

Chiacchiere – a light pastry fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can find them in any and every bakery or pastry shop at Carnival time.

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